Dacia Lodgy Scores Three Stars in 2012 Euro NCAP Crash Tests
Dacia’s new Lodgy MPV received a three-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2012, falling short of the five-star benchmark achieved by many rivals in the same round of testing.
Dacia’s Lodgy MPV was awarded a three-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in the 2012 round of crash tests, making it the only vehicle in that session not to achieve the maximum five stars. The result highlighted several structural and equipment shortcomings compared to more expensive competitors.
The Lodgy’s overall adult occupant protection score was 72 percent, with Euro NCAP noting severe deformation of the A-pillar and bending of the roof near the B-pillar in the frontal impact test. In the rear impact assessment, the car’s protection for the neck was rated as poor. Side impact tests revealed marginal and weak chest protection for adult occupants.
Child occupant safety was also rated at 77 percent, with the Lodgy performing below the segment average. The car’s pedestrian protection result was just 44 percent, reflecting limited energy absorption by the front end in a collision. Safety Assist features, including electronic stability control and speed limitation, contributed only 29 percent to the overall score, well below the standards set by rivals.
Comparison with other 2012 MPVs
Most other MPVs tested by Euro NCAP in 2012 achieved five stars, underlining the Lodgy’s position at the lower end of the safety scale for its class. The model tested was a Laureate trim with a 1.5 dCi diesel engine, representing a typical customer configuration. Buyers considering the Lodgy for family use may wish to compare these results with those of rivals such as the Renault Grand Scenic or Volkswagen Touran, both of which have previously achieved higher ratings in Euro NCAP assessments.
Dacia’s approach prioritises affordability, and the Lodgy’s equipment and structure reflect this. The absence of some advanced safety technologies and the performance in physical crash tests contributed to the three-star result. For families seeking a budget MPV, the Lodgy’s rating is a reminder to weigh safety against price when making a purchase decision.
Euro NCAP’s evolving standards
Euro NCAP’s test protocols have become progressively tougher, with increasing emphasis on active safety systems and child and pedestrian protection. In 2012, a five-star result was already the norm for most new models in Europe, especially in the MPV segment. The Lodgy’s three-star score placed it behind the curve, particularly in areas such as Safety Assist, where rivals offered more comprehensive standard equipment.
For a broader perspective on how other models performed in this period, see Ten Cars Achieve Five Stars in 2011 Euro NCAP Safety Tests.
